CHAPTER TWENTY

Those new batteries didn't last long. Paige threw the flashlight down. It hit with a thud and a few rocks tumbled down. Better get moving. She slid her right hand along the jagged wall and walked a few more steps. Maybe this is the way out. This tunnel's a maze. After walking about a half-mile, she slumped down to the floor. Morgan put his paw on her thigh and whimpered. "I know your paw's swollen." She massaged it. "This tunnel has to lead outside, any ideas which way to try next?" She petted Morgan, who wagged his tail in response. "We need to keep going. We'll never find our way out sitting here.

Paige, Paige.

After glancing up, Paige blinked a few times and then focused her eyes on a bright light that surrounded a smoky image of a man dressed in Civil War attire. "Bradley?"

Follow me. I'll help.

Morgan limped to the image with his tail wagging. Paige cautiously stood. "Okay, I'll follow."

Your foot has open cuts, it's probably infected.

"My shoe came off when some rocks fell on me." The light surrounding Bradley allowed Paige to notice the blood squeezing up between her toes. They began following the left tunnel.

I know.

"If you knew, why did you wait so long to help?"

Bradley faced her and grinned.

"You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?"

He nodded.

"It seems you care, but then you allowed things to happen. Why?"

You'll find out. All in good time.

All in good time. All in good time. That's what Mom and Aunt Paula used to tell me. I used to think 'patience, child' was my name.

Bradley chuckled out loud.

"You can read minds." Paige tilted her head. "Only mine or others?"

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Would you please show yourself to Cash and Billy Joe? They need to know I'm not crazy."

Think that would help? Bradley laughed.

Paige frowned. "Probably not." She glanced around. "I've been this way and it led to a dead end."

Just before the dead end, there's a door. You missed it.

"I'm sure there wasn't a door. My flashlight was working then and I searched all around. There was no door." Paige stopped and put her hands on her hips. "Are you trying to trick me?"

His eyebrows rose. Would I do that?

"Maybe." Paige paused and thought a moment. "I'm from Massachusetts and you not only fought for the Confederate Army, but lost your life."

I understand why Cash always has a bewildered look on his face. Come on. It's getting late. Bradley walked. Are you coming?

Paige noticed Morgan followed Bradley. She jogged to catch up. "I guess it's possible I missed the door, but I don't think so. Do I have a choice?" She hesitated. "If Cash looks bewildered, it has nothing to do with me, by the way."

Bradley shook his head. If you say so.

At the end of the tunnel, Paige pointed. "See, it's a dead end." She turned and tilted her head. "What's that noise?"

The tunnel's caving in. Bradley pushed a brick and a door opened. He pulled Paige through the opening. Morgan followed. Falling rocks filled the space Paige and her dog had just vacated.